Effective down to .2 microns and meets EPA Guide Standards for the removal of bacteria and protozoa. Approximate filter life of 1500L depending on quality of water filtered. Made in USA of US and imported parts

Nope, they hold the whole thing together. At 53g for the cartridge, this is already one of the lightest options on the market -- especially for the level of filtration you get -- even when you start considering the other parts of the system.